OUTLOOK: Having a talented senior starter at quarterback isn’t a be-all-end-all band-aid, but it sure makes things a lot easier.

So it’s easy to understand with South Torrance coach Josh Waybright is excited about entering this season with senior Gabe Zuniga lining up behind center.

“I’ve kind of been waiting for this ever since we switched him to quarterback three years ago,” Waybright said.

Zuniga is a talented run-pass threat who has improved leaps and bounds over the summer. South will likely go as far as Zuniga’s arm and legs can take it.

“I think possibly if all goes well, he could be one of those 1,000-yard passing, 1,000-yard rushing guys,” Waybright said. “We’d like to see him throw it a little more.”

Zuniga does have talent on the outside to throw to juniors Carl Richardson and Noa Harrison. Troy Bennett and Patrick Patterson could also see plenty of footballs coming their way.

The running back spot will see a back-by-committee approach, at least early on, with Patterson, Bennett, Harrison and Richardson all sharing carries.

South looks to be stout defensively with Cameron Dillon and Jimmy Clark leading the way at linebacker. Tanner Thompson is a returning All-League player at defensive back and he’ll be joined by Trevor Talpas, who should be a strong leader in the secondary.